Richard Rawlings, born in 1969 in Fort Worth, Texas, is a well-known American entrepreneur, auto enthusiast, and media personality. He gained widespread fame through his television appearances, most notably as the star of Discovery Channel's hit reality show, Fast N' Loud. The show has not only showcased his passion for cars but also chronicled his journey in building a successful automotive restoration business.
Rawlings developed a love for automobiles at a young age, often attending car shows with his father. He bought his first car at just 14 years old, and during his teenage years, he frequently worked on vehicles, further nurturing his interest in mechanics and car culture.
After graduating from Eastern Hills High School in Fort Worth, Rawlings pursued various career paths, including working as a police officer, paramedic, and firefighter. Despite his early involvement in public service, his entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him into the printing and advertising industry. He founded Lincoln Press, a successful printing company that supported his long-standing desire to enter the automotive industry.
In 2002, Richard Rawlings founded Gas Monkey Garage, an auto restoration shop focused on customizing classic cars. To fully dedicate himself to his automotive venture, he sold Lincoln Press in 2004. With his complete attention on Gas Monkey Garage, the business grew rapidly and began selling customized automobiles worldwide.
Rawlings' charisma and the unique nature of his business attracted the attention of reality television producers. In 2012, Fast N' Loud debuted on the Discovery Channel, documenting the operations of Gas Monkey Garage. The show was a major success, significantly contributing to Rawlings’ public profile and reportedly earning him an estimated $50,000 per episode. As of recent estimates, his net worth is approximately $15 million.
Capitalizing on his TV success and brand recognition, Rawlings expanded the Gas Monkey franchise. He launched Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill near the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, offering a venue that combined food, drinks, and a car-themed experience. Plans for additional locations outside the Dallas metropolitan area have also been announced.
In October 2014, Rawlings opened Gas Monkey Live, a large-scale venue designed for hosting concerts, live performances, and events. This expansion positioned the Gas Monkey brand not just as an automotive business but as a lifestyle and entertainment enterprise.
Richard Rawlings further detailed his life and career in his autobiography, Fast N’ Loud: Blood, Sweat and Beers. The book offers insight into his personal struggles, experiences growing up, and the journey of turning a passion for cars into a profitable business. The autobiography complements the reality show in giving fans a fuller picture of Rawlings’ climb to fame.
| Birth Date: | 30 Mar, 1969 |
| Age: | 51 yrs |
| Occupations: | Racing automobile driver |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Fort Worth |
| Education: | Eastern Hills High School |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American entrepreneur and media personality |
| Twitter Id: | RRRawlings |
| Net Worth 2021: | 18 million |
